October 13, 2011

Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Do you really need a disability lawyer when applying for Social Security disability benefits?Indiana disability claimants may become overwhelmed by the Social Security disability application process. According to Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis, this isn’t very surprising when considering how frustrating the process may be. Although everyone’s disability case is unique, some common frustrations may develop from claimants having a legitimate claim denied, individuals waiting years for their benefits to be approved, or possibly feeling as though they are treated unfairly during the appeal process. Many individuals wonder whether or not they should hire a disability lawyer to help with the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process. There are some factors that you may want to consider when deciding whether or not you need to retain an attorney for your disability claim.

Majority of disability applicants are denied at the initial application stage. Those individuals who have been denied may become completely overwhelmed by the Social Security disability application process. As a result, they find it necessary to hire a disability lawyer or representative so they do not have to face the appeals process alone.

Once an individual has been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, the need for representation might be considered. It may be beneficial to hire a Social Security attorney to represent you through the appeals process. Some statistics show that disability claimants who have legal representation at the appeals stage are often more successful in being approved for benefits than those who decide to go on without representation. Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis believes that you are entitled to a fair hearing and strives to ask all of the questions you should be asked during this process. Mr. Lewis attempts to be aware of the Social Security disability regulations that may be beneficial in your claim being approved.

If you are an individual that decides to hire a Social Security disability lawyer, you may worry about the costs involved. Understanding that you’re applying for disability benefits and you don’t have an income, you may be concerned with being able to afford to hire a lawyer.

Surprisingly, hiring a Social Security Disability attorney may be considered to be very affordable. Most Social Security disability lawyers are paid up to 25% of what you receive in Social Security disability back payments, and in 2011 that amount cannot exceed $6,000. So, what does this mean? For example, if your past due award is $20,000, your disability attorney would receive 25% of that amount, which is $5,000. The Social Security Administration (SSA) would then pay your attorney by taking the fee directly from your past due award.

On the flip side, many people worry what will happen if they don’t win their case. How will they be able to pay their legal fees? Don’t worry! In the case of Mr. Lewis, an individual that does not win their disability case does not pay him for his representation. There is no financial burden on the claimant if they do not win their claim. To say the least, this may also gives your lawyer quite a bit of incentive to represent you effectively.

In the end, whether or not you decide to hire a lawyer to handle your SSDI or SSI claim is up to you. It is a personal decision that only you can make. At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis strives to make the appeals processes go as smoothly as possible for his clients. He offers a free consultation to individuals that are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions. If your initial Social Security disability claim has been denied, contact Lawyer Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.